Principles for Relationships from God's Word by Claudio Consuegra

Secrets guys wish you knew – 1

Like a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters. Song of Songs 2:2 (NKJV)

Maybe the man in your life was raised as a traditional, stoic, man’s man who has a difficult time sharing his feelings with you. If so, WebMD[i] gathered several relationship secrets from psychologists who study gender roles.

Secret No. 1: Men Will Talk About Feelings. Your husband may find it easier to talk about feelings indirectly. You can ask him what he would do during a romantic weekend, or what he thought the first time he met you. His answers will tell you how he feels and at the same time bring you closer.

Secret No. 2: Men Say ‘I Love You’ With Actions. Because some men are not used to expressing their feelings, they may feel more comfortable showing you their feelings through actions. When he fixes things around the house, takes out the trash, or holds your hand he is telling you, and showing you, that he loves you.

Secret No. 3: Men Take Commitment Seriously. Even though men have a reputation for being afraid to commit, the evidence suggests men take marriage seriously. They may take longer to commit because they want to make sure they are ready to make this lifetime commitment for good. As an example, in a survey of currently married men, 90% say they would marry the same woman again.

Secret No. 4: He Really Is Listening. Women often acknowledge they are listening by saying things like “yes” or “I see” every now and then. It’s your way of saying, “I’m listening.” Just because some guys don’t do this it doesn’t mean they’re not listening. They may prefer to listen quietly and think about what you’re saying.

Secret No. 5: Shared Activities Form Bonds. One of a man’s most important emotional needs is recreational companionship. It’s not just fun to have you participate in sports, exercise, or watching TV; those activities strengthen their relationship with you more than by sharing thoughts or feelings. For many men, activities like sports and sex make them feel closer to their wife.

Father God, help me, as a husband, to show and express my feelings for my wife so our love may be strengthened every day.